Knowledge transfer in Big Science : What benefits can be gained and how?

Abstract

Knowledge transfer is gaining bigger and bigger emphasis in the context of Big Science. It is quick way for them to show their relevance to society in this moment because it may take decades before the pure research results will have an impact. Also, they are usually publicly funded which makes it even more important for them. As Big Science centres are unique environments, there is a lot of knowledge, and especially technology-wise, that they can offer through knowledge transfer.

This thesis introduces different mechanism and modes of how knowledge transfer and knowledge spillover is taking place. Most focus is put on CERN as the example organization due to its long and successful history on the topic. Example cases of different modes of knowledge transfer are introduced to highlight the variety of applications where a knowledge originating from particle physics can be relevant. After that, the focus is moved to the knowledge transfer and knowledge spillover processes themselves to identify potential benefits and gains from those processes. Lastly, attributes of the processes are studied to identify the most crucial ones for effective process.

Overall, this thesis shows that there are many modes for knowledge transfer and each of them offering a different way to access the knowledge of Big Science organization. Also, the importance of procurement for knowledge spillover is recognized. This thesis also shows that pure learning is not the only relevant benefit a company may gain and that communication plays an important role when it comes to effective knowledge transfer process.